F1 Rudolph (late)

F1 Rudolph (Late) Purple Sprouting Broccoli

F1 Rudolph (Late) is a Gardeners’ Kitchen favourite and one of the earliest purple sprouting varieties to crop. Producing medium to large, vibrant purple spears packed with flavour, these tender shoots outperform the limp, bitter supermarket versions — a delicious winter treat straight from your garden!

Harvest

November to March — pick the spears when well-formed but before the flower buds open for the best taste.

Growing Instructions

• Spacing: Plant 60cm apart in a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil.

• Watering: Keep well-watered until established, and during dry spells.

• Pruning: Remove the central spear to encourage lots of side shoots.

• Protection: Shield from cabbage white butterflies to protect your crop.

Top Tips

• Harvest Regularly: Picking spears as soon as they’re ready encourages more side shoots and extends your harvest.

• Sun and Shelter: A sunny, protected spot ensures stronger, sweeter spears.

• Keep Moist, Not Soggy: Consistent watering keeps spears tender, but avoid waterlogged soil.

• Butterfly Guard: Use netting or natural deterrents to protect from cabbage white butterflies.

• Winter Ready: These hardy plants thrive in cooler months — a reliable winter crop for fresh, flavorful broccoli.